andrew@nwfilm.org
11 AM THE GUILD THEATRE
Without the luxury of distribution, every independent filmmaker has to be his or her own press agent, communicating with reporters and reviewers and coordinating with the venues they find to show their work. To help those who would rather make their art than promote it, we have gathered professionals in the field to talk about the basics of how to write a press release and what kinds of events need them, what should be in a press kit, how to approach film reviewers, and general etiquette and expectations to keep in mind when dealing with your new best friends. FREE ADMISSION
Scheduled to Appear:
David Walker (Willamette Week)
Julianne Shephard (The Portland Mercury)
12 PM THE GUILD THEATRE
presented by SAGIndie
In a narrative film, a good performance from your actors can be the difference between a screen gem and unintentional camp. But in addition to guiding performers creatively, directors who also produce their films have a host of other concerns about their cast that start with pre-production and continue throughout the distribution of the film. Join these successful feature director-producers for a discussion of how to balance getting what you need out of your performers while also providing the support they need during your shoot. FREE ADMISSION
Scheduled to appear:
Jamie Hook (Director of The Naked Proof)
Nick Peterson (Director of One, Two, and Three)
Megan Griffiths (Director of First Aid For Choking)
Tawanda Lewis (Director of Theatrical Contracts, Screen Actors Guild)
4 PM THE GUILD THEATRE
presented by THE WARREN REPORT
While it is disheartening to receive rejection letters from film festivals it is even more frustrating to discover that most do not have the resources to give feedback about the films they reject. For the annoyed filmmaker, we offer the undivided attention of Warren Etheredge, programmer of Seattle's One Reel Film Festival, coordinator of the Independent Exposure series of film screenings, creator of The Warren Report web site, and one of the most intelligent and articulate voices on the topic of filmmaking in the Northwest. Etheredge will take a look at the first five minutes of your film, then publicly (but nicely) offer his insight into how best to find the right audience for the film. Brave filmmakers interested in having their film reviewed can sign up by contacting andrew@nwfilm.org by November 5th. First come, first served as time allows.
9:30 AM- 4 PM THE SCHOOL OF FILM
MORRIE WARSHAWSKI - Securing funding while maintaining a career as an independent media maker can be a competitive, elusive and often overwhelming proposition, especially in this era of reduced government and grant support for noncommercial and/or independently produced projects. Back by popular demand, Morrie Warshawski, author of the newly updated classic resource "Shaking the Money Tree," presents this workshop combines a holistic and practical approach, sharing street-tested advice and presenting real life case studies of success. The goal is to help filmmakers attractively position their project, identify and address their strengths and weaknesses as fundraisers and draw upon appropriate fundraising tools effectively.
(TUITION: $75)
12 PM THE GUILD THEATRE
The diversity of work by Northwest filmmakers in increasingly matched by the growing diversity of exhibition venues and programmers in the region. As creative in their curating as the makers are in their work, these presenters have made a great impact in their local communities, encouraging artists and stimulating audiences in a provocative fashion. Following a screening of each programmer's selections will be a discussion on the role of small exhibitors within communities and their relationship to other media arts presenters.
Scheduled to Appear:
Josh Bovinette (The Know/Portland)
Dave Hanagan (Northwest Film Forum/Seattle)
Autumn Campbell (Cinema Project)
4 PM THE GUILD THEATRE
presented by S(c)ript Magazine
So you've got a great idea for a screenplay. Now what? Getting into screenwriting takes more than just a good idea. It even takes more than a good script. But despite what you might hear, it is possible to write for Hollywood while living far far away from it in the idyllic Northwest. Hear from the biggies of screenwriting here in the area about what it takes to succeed. ADMISSION $7, FREE WITH PAID ADMISSION TO EVIL ALIEN CONQUERORS.
Scheduled to appear:
Mike Rich (Finding Forrester)
Chris Matheson (The Wise Ones)
Chris McQuarie (The Usual Suspects)
6-10 PM THE SCHOOL OF FILM
MORRIE WARSHAWSKI - Just as corporations, small businesses and community organizations must establish and periodically revise mission statements and business strategies to grow and be successful, so must the independent mediamaker. The Film Center is pleased to host a repeat of his workshop which encourages film/video makers, whether entry level or mid-career, to look beyond defining themselves in terms of individual projects and develop tools and approaches that support long range career planning. Topics include: creating a personal mission statement; assessing oneís financial, artistic and personal goals; marketing oneself with confidence and integrity; promotion tools that work; and how to identify and work with ìcircles of influenceî that will help shape your career.
1 SESSION
TUITION: $75
11 AM THE GUILD THEATRE